The governance of commons in the Alps: the role of Alpine Common Properties in alleviating new forms of poverty in mountain communities

Purpose Alpine Collective Properties (ACP) are ancient institutions established to alleviate poverty in Alpine communities by efficiently using the “Commons”. This paper aims to investigate the role (if still any) of Alpine Collective Properties in addressing emerging forms of poverty in Alpine communities and to analyse possible governance implications in the light of environmental stewardship (Bennett et al., 2018). Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on the study of the largest ACP of the Italian Alps. The case study has been investigated mainly through a documental analysis that included several documental sources: the statute, laws, different typologies of quarterly reports (financial and non-financial), financial statements, newspaper articles and books published by the organisation. In addition, it has been complemented by interviews for a better understanding of poverty in the Alps and governance issues. Findings The analysis shows that tourism has significantly increased living costs in Alpine communities, making life unsustainable for marginalised members who do not operate in tourism-related activities and generating the phenomenon of overtourism. The adaption of the local ACP mission to address poverty imposes challenges to its stewardship-inspired governance system, primarily related to the increasing difficulty of engaging members in the governance due to limits imposed by the ancient statute, modifications of the activities, motivational elements and a lack of managerial and economic skills. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on a single case study, and it could be expanded to include other similar organisations. Practical implications The paper provides practical suggestions for improving the governance of large collective property in the Alps in a changed and increasingly challenging environment. Social implications The paper contributes to making the Alpine population aware of the potentialities of the collective property model and of the current challenges of its governance in alleviating poverty. Originality/value The paper’s originality is connected with the critical investigation of a particular setting that is paramount in alleviating social and environmental poverty in fragile mountain areas.